Loch Dionard
Loch Dionard is a medium-sized loch in the Parish of Durness in north-western Sutherland. It is in a mountainous location, about four miles south of Polla.
The loch may be found some six miles from the hamlets of Eriboll, Rhiconich, Achriesgill and Alltnacaillich, thopugh from none of these is there direct road access to the loch. Two small roads though connecti tourist cottages and mountain trains/portages[1] in the area. The road to the south provides a link to Alltnacaillich and the nearest paved road; a route of about eleven miles of mainly narrow, bumpy gravel tracks through mountainous terrain.[2] The nearest settlement with commercial services is Tongue. The other road is a small dirt track that follows the banks of the River Dionard to Gualin House and the A838.
Geography
Loch Dionard is 357 feet above sea level, which is relatively high for a loch, but far from any mountain peaks.[2] As a result, it is a consolidation point for many rivers and streams that run from the mountains to the Atlantic north coast of the county. The most notable river flowing into Loch Dionard is the Allt an Eassain Ghil which provides water, from An Dubh-Loch and Lochan Ulbha, which themselves bring in water from the mountain peaks of Sabhal Mor, Meall Horn, Creagan Meall Horn, Coire Lochan Ulbha. Other rivers include Allt Creag Urbhard, from An t-Sail Mhor, Allt Horn and Allt Eilidh a' Chleirich. The latter receives water from Loch Sgeireach, which receives water from Creag Staonsaid, which also flows into Loch Staonsaid and Meall a Lochain Sgeireach. Finally, there is water flowing from Loch Fir Dhuirinis, which also gets its water from Creag Staonsaid flowing into the east of the Loch alongside the Allt nan Caraichean Duibh.[2]
Flowing outward, only the River Dionard which is more notable and larger than any of the aforementioned rivers; it is the main inflow to the Kyle of Durness, which leads to the Atlantic Ocean. The river is the main water source for the settlements of Gualin House, Carbreck and Lairg.[2]
There are a few cottages in the area around Loch Dionard, and the river southward has fishing and tourist destinations.[3]
There are also a few heritage paths and trails in the area[1] but, due to its isolation and the much more accessible Loch Awe (25 miles away on the A837), Loch Dionard remains isolated.
Location
- Location map: 58°23’57"N, 4°48’52"W
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Heritage Paths
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 GetOutside: do more in the British Outdoors: OS GetOutside
- ↑ Salmon & Sea Trout – The River Dionard: Scourie Hotel